The ficus tree is one of the most well-liked options for bringing some greenery inside when it comes to houseplants.
With its full, lush foliage and elegant tree-like form, the ficus lends a touch of nature and airiness that brightens up rooms of any size.
Ficus trees are relatively low maintenance when you attend to their basic needs for the right soil, lighting, watering, humidity, fertilizing, pruning, and pest control.
Once you get the hang of caring for your ficus, it will reward you by growing into a striking focal point for your home or office for years to come.
Let’s take a look at how to keep your ficus tree thriving indoors!
Soil for Ficus Trees
Ficus trees do best in a well-draining soil mix that retains some moisture but doesn’t get waterlogged. A good potting mix made for indoor plants is ideal. You can also make your own mix by combining:
- 1 part potting soil
- 1 part perlite or coarse sand (for drainage)
- 1 part peat moss or coir (to retain moisture)
The most important factor is good drainage to prevent the roots from sitting in too much water and rotting.
Light Requirements
Ficus trees need a decent amount of bright, direct light, though they can tolerate medium light as well. Aim to give your ficus tree:
- Direct light from an eastern or western exposure (4-6 hours daily)
- Bright, indirect light from a southern exposure
- Supplement with a grow light if indoor lighting is very low
Avoid low light conditions, which can cause thin growth and leaf drop. However, intense direct sun can also lead to leaf burn and other issues. Slowly introduce more light to adjust the tree if needed.
Watering Ficus Trees
Overwatering and underwatering are two of the biggest culprits behind ficus tree troubles. The goal is to keep the soil evenly moist but not saturated. Here are some tips:
- Check soil moisture frequently by sticking your finger into the potting mix
- Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry
- Pour water slowly onto the soil until it starts to drain out the bottom
- Don’t allow the plant to sit in standing water in the saucer
- Reduce watering frequency in winter when growth is slower
Signs of overwatering include leaf drop, soft rotting stems, and yellow lower leaves. Signs of underwatering are dry potting mix that pulls away from the sides of the pot, wilting, and crispy brown leaf edges.
Humidity for Your Ficus
Native to tropical Asia and India, ficus trees naturally prefer warm, humid conditions. Typical household humidity levels are too dry for their liking, especially in winter when furnaces or heaters are running.
Increase humidity for your ficus tree by:
- Grouping it with other plants to create a humid microclimate
- Using a humidity tray partially filled with pebbles and water
- Running a humidifier nearby
- Misting the leaves regularly
- Locating it away from heat vents, fireplaces, etc.
Low humidity can cause leaf tips to brown and curl up, as well as premature leaf drop. Higher humidity promotes lush, healthy growth.
Fertilizing for Growth
Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer gives your ficus the nutrients needed to put out plenty of new leaves, branches, and roots. Use a water-soluble houseplant fertilizer, following the package instructions for the proper dilution.
You can fertilize every two weeks in spring and summer when the tree is actively growing. Reduce or skip fertilizing in the winter when growth naturally slows.
Signs that your ficus needs fertilizer include:
- Pale green or yellowing leaves
- Smaller than normal new growth
- Dropping lots of older leaves
Take care not to over-fertilize, as this can cause fertilizer burn and crunchy brown leaf tips. Flushing the soil with plain water every few months helps remove excess fertilizer salts buildup.
Pruning Your Ficus
Judicious pruning keeps your ficus tree looking its best and encourages branching out into the classic tree shape. The best times to do heavier pruning are in late winter and early spring.
To shape and control size:
- Use sharp, clean pruners to avoid damaging stems
- Remove any dead, damaged, or rubbing branches first
- Cut back long stems and branches by about 1/3
- Pinch out new growth on outer branches to promote bushiness
- Thin out cluttered interior growth as needed
Ficus trees typically shed some leaves whenever they are pruned, but the plant will recover and put out a flush of fresh foliage. Avoid heavy pruning in winter when growth is minimal.
Dealing with Leaf Drop
Frustratingly, even perfectly healthy ficus trees tend to drop some of their older, interior leaves periodically. This is a natural part of their growth cycle as they focus nutrients on newer leaves and stems.
However, excessive leaf drop is a sign that your tree is unhappy about something in its environment – most likely a change in lighting, temperature, or humidity levels. Try these tips if your ficus is shedding leaves rapidly:
- Check soil moisture and adjust your watering routine
- Increase humidity levels as described above
- Check for drafts, heating vents, etc. and relocate if needed
- Boost fertilizer levels if leaves look pale
- Acclimate the plant slowly if you move it to a new spot
It’s also normal for ficus trees to go semi-dormant and drop leaves in winter when the days are much shorter. Just be patient and care for it properly, and it should bounce back with new growth in spring.
Repotting Ficus Trees
Over time, your ficus tree will become potbound as the expanding root system runs out of room in its container. This stresses the plant and limits its potential for growth.
Plan to repot your ficus annually in spring into a pot 1-2 inches wider than its current container. Choose a pot with good drainage holes and use fresh, well-draining potting mix.
When repotting:
- Have the new pot and potting mix ready
- Remove the ficus from its old pot and gently loosen the rootball
- Dust off old soil and use pruners to trim any rotting roots
- Place the plant in the new pot and pack in fresh soil around it
- Water well and keep in a shaded spot for a week or two
Pruning off some top growth at repotting time can help the plant recover better by focusing its energy on establishing new roots.
Pests and Problems
Like many indoor plants, ficus trees can be susceptible to common houseplant pests like mealybugs, spider mites, whiteflies, scale, fungus gnats, and more. Signs include visible insects or tiny webbing, plus abnormalities like stunted growth, leaf discoloration, and leaf drop.
For best prevention and control:
- Inspect plants regularly and isolate any infested plants
- Use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or other organic options
- Wipe leaves clean with a damp cloth periodically
- Allow soil to dry between waterings for fungus gnats
- Discard any severely infested plants
Other problems like leaf spots or root rot are typically a sign of excess moisture. Improve drainage, allow soil to dry out more between waterings, and increase air circulation.
A Finicky Yet Rewarding Plant
With their stunning looks and exotic origins, it’s no wonder ficus trees are beloved houseplants. But they can certainly be a bit finicky at times. Don’t get discouraged!
The more you pay attention to your ficus tree’s needs for the right soil, watering, lighting, humidity, and overall care, the better you can troubleshoot any issues that arise. Stick with it, and you’ll soon get the hang of keeping your ficus lush, thriving, and gorgeous.
These elegant, easygoing trees add such wonderful natural vibes to our homes and offices. What an amazing feeling to nurture a living, a growing plant that contributes beauty, oxygen, and serenity to our indoor sanctuaries. The simple joys of plant parenting are truly unmatched.
Ficus Tree Varieties
While the ficus benjamina is one of the most common varieties found as a houseplant, there are several other types of ficus that can also be grown indoors. Each has its own unique look and growth habit.
Ficus Alii (Banana Leaf Fig)
Featuring huge, thick leaves that resemble those of a banana tree, the ficus alii has an impressively tropical vibe. Its large, rubbery foliage can grow over 12 inches long, flushing out with gorgeous new reddish growth. The alii tends to have a more open, spreading shape versus the dense, tree-like benjamina.
Ficus Elastica (Rubber Plant)
One of the most popular ficus for homes, the rubber plant is prized for its thick, glossy leaves and ability to tolerate lower light. It has an attractive, upright growth habit. Some varieties have dark green leaves while others feature ruby red tones. The burgundy variety is particularly striking.
Ficus Lyrata (Fiddle-Leaf Fig)
With its huge, fiddle-shaped leaves and adventurous branching, the fiddle-leaf fig makes quite a statement. It can reach impressive heights indoors, becoming a gorgeous focal point in bright spaces. However, it can be a bit fussier than other ficus varieties about conditions.
Ficus Microcarpa (Ginseng Ficus)
For small spaces or a sweet miniature tree, consider the ginseng ficus with its thick, bulbous trunk and lush canopy of leaves. Despite its tiny stature, it has an undeniably old, wise look about it. Caring for a ginseng ficus takes some finesse and dedication.
Ficus Pumic (Creeping Fig)
Rather than treelike, the creeping fig is a dense, trailing plant with hundreds of small, heart-shaped leaves pouring over the sides of baskets and containers. Hung in bright spaces, they create a lovely lush, green drapery effect. Excellent to grow over shelves or cabinets.
No matter which variety you choose, ficus plants add an unmistakable tropical flair to indoor spaces. Selecting a healthy, well-established plant gives you the best head start. Be sure to pick one whose leaf size, mature height, and growth habits suit the area you have in mind.
Troubleshooting Issues
Even when doing your best to provide ideal growing conditions, sometimes ficus plants develop issues. Here are some common problems to watch for and how to troubleshoot them:
Leaf Drop
As mentioned, it’s normal for ficus to shed some interior leaves just through natural growth cycles. However, excessive leaf drop can signal problems with watering, humidity, lighting, temperature, drafts, pests, etc. Try identifying and correcting any potential stressors.
Leaves Turning Yellow
Older leaves yellowing first is natural, but new leaves yellowing likely means overwatering or moisture stress. Allow soil to dry more before watering, improve drainage if needed, and boost humidity.
Brown Leaf Edges
Dry, crispy brown edges indicate low humidity and underwatering. Boost ambient moisture levels and ensure the plant is receiving enough water. Keep away from heaters and vents.
Stunted Growth
If your ficus has stopped putting out new leaves and growth seems stunted, check soil moisture levels and fertilizing routine. Lack of nutrients, cold drafts, or dim lighting could also be limiting new growth.
Leaf Spots/Rot
Leaf spots, rot, or stem girdling can signal a disease issue, often caused by excess moisture and poor air circulation. Prune off any affected areas, improve air flow, and allow the soil to dry out more between waterings.
Small Flies
Those small gnats flying around your plant’s soil are fungus gnats whose larvae feed on roots and decaying matter. Let the soil dry out more and remove any debris. Use insect traps or spray with neem oil if needed.
While ficus trees certainly have their quirks and can be unforgiving of neglect, staying alert for signs of trouble allows you to adjust care before issues become major. With diligence and attentiveness, most problems can be resolved and your indoor tree will thrive once again.